We’re fast approaching the release of Juliet and Romeo, my revisionary version of the familiar tale from Shakespeare and earlier writers due out in May from the Dome Press. But as I’ve hinted here earlier there will be a sneak preview and a chance to buy the book before everyone else.
On Thursday April 12 I’ll be speaking and reading from it as part of the fantastic Books by the Beach Festival in Scarborough. Anyone who’s followed the growth of Books by the Beach to become one of the UK’s most innovative and exciting festivals will know to expect the unexpected. This is certainly that.
The event will be a candlelit dinner in the refined surroundings of the Old Kitchen at Wykeham Abbey, a stately home outside Scarborough. For £30 a head you’ll get a three-course meal and yours truly talking and reading between courses. Places are extremely limited so if you’re interested I’d suggest booking soon — you can do it over the phone, directions here. Tickets go on sale on Friday February 9.
This year’s Books by the Beach seems bigger and broader than ever, as you can see from the brochure. There’s a healthy showing of writers, actors and journalists from all walks of the book world. In the words of the organisers…
2018 is a year of commemorations – one hundred years of Votes for Women and the bicentenary of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. We’re joining in the celebrations and inviting you to the party.
We’ve a festival feast with everyone’s favourite flavour. There are themed lunches at The Crescent Hotel and The Stephen Joseph Bistro. A Brazilian Breakfast at Palm Court provides a fruity start…whilst Wykeham Abbey Old Kitchen is the perfect setting for a candelit dinner and a retelling of Romeo and Juliet.
Crime and thriller writers play their part and we’ve a new drama set in the town hall council chamber. Radio, screen and theatre stars take to the stage and we’re exploring the science of food.
There’s a dancer in the art gallery, musicians in the library and St. Mary’s Church opens its doors to tales of Anne Brontë. Poignant thoughts are shared for Amnesty International and TV journalists discover what’s hot off the press. Myths and history intermingle and we reminisce on favourite childhood reading.
Prize winning authors rub shoulders with comic actors and screenwriters. Listen to royal secrets, espionage experts and the vet who helps all creatures great and small. There’s even a marathon man! Join the race to catch festival fever and cool your thirst with a literary themed cocktail at Greensmith & Thackwray.
This is a fantastic festival in a marvellous seaside resort. Can’t wait to be back in beautiful Yorkshire.
David Hewson 